Albuquerque, New Mexico
HARRAH - Madge Harrah, age 80, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2011. Madge was born in Lamar, MO on May 11, 1931 to Lester and Blanche Fisher. Her mother taught art, English and music and her father taught English and math. They were creative people who encouraged Madge in all her endeavors. When Madge first started selling the books she'd written, her mother said, "Don't settle for a flat fee. Hold out for royalties." Madge attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, majoring in art and English education and minoring in music. She graduated in 1953. She married Larry Harrah in 1952, with whom she had gone to high school. He eventually earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry and did scientific research for the U.S. Air Force in Ohio and at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque. Madge studied playwriting with Rod Serling ("Twilight Zone"). She had plays published and produced, won two international playwriting contests, published 12 books and over 400 articles, stories and short pieces in regional and national publications, some of which were anthologized. She exhibited paintings in juried shows, illustrated books, composed music, and taught writing classes to people of all ages for over 30 years. In April of 2009, she was presented a Lifetime of Achievement Award by the College of Education, University of Missouri, for "Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service." She is survived by her husband, Larry; their two children, Eric and Meghan; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bill. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, December 1, 2011, 11:00 a.m., at New Life Presbyterian Church, 5540 Eubank Blvd. NE.
I met Madge years ago at a refresher workshop for Guideposts writers. Today, I saw Madge’s “Our Animal Kingdom” as a “Guideposts Classic” in the Dec 2024/Jan 2025 issue. I wanted to e-mail her to congratulate her. When I Googled, I saw, from this lovely obituary, that she’s been in heaven for 13 years. My very belated condolences to you, her family.
(Mrs.) B.J. Connor
December 03, 2024 | Salisbury, NC | Acquaintance
I met Mrs. Harrah when I was in 5th Grade. She came to my school in Raton N.M. and told our class to write a story from a random picture she gave to each of us. I remember turning in my story before everyone else thinking that was gonna be it, I never won anything the time I went to public school. A few days later she returned to announce the winner, and somehow that was me lol. She would proceed to tell me she enjoyed my story very much and that if I ever had decided to pursue it as a career...
Christopher Kuskie
February 14, 2021 | Mena, AR | Acquaintance
I met Madge when I was in 3rd grade and had purchased numerous books and had them autographed and have treasured them as my kids are enjoying them now. I'm so sorry for your loss she was truly amazing
angelica alirez
September 13, 2016 | Las Vegas, NM | Acquaintance
I wanted to extend our condolences to the family of Madge Harrah from the Daily Guideposts.
S.C. Samoy
January 30, 2012 | NY
I enjoyed pulling her in my sled when we were in grade school and sharing my homemade comics. Betty, Joanne and I are keeping you in our prayers and want you to know we will miss Madge.
Lowell Pugh
December 07, 2011 | Golden City, MO | Friend
Madge was among the first people I met in the children's writing community when I moved to New Mexico in 1997. She was welcoming, generous, and kind. We spent some time together, on walks, at meals, at the beautiful Hummingbird Music Camp where the SCBWI retreat was held. I left there feeling that I had found a community, and Madge was no small part of the reason for that.
Uma Krishnaswami
December 05, 2011 | Aztec, NM | Professional Colleague, Friend
The first December I attended New Life Church I discovered really good writing in their annual Advent Book--by Madge Harrah. I asked, Who is this woman? Soon she and I were huddling during Sunday greeting time--exchanging writing ideas. When we spoke a couple months ago she proudly announced she had begun writing TWO novels. The 2011 Advent Book is a compilation of writings from past Advent Books, several by Madge. It is on-line at NewLifePCUSA.org.
Sam Moorman
December 05, 2011
WE LOVED SHARING YOUR WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR, YOUR STORIES, YOUR HELP, AND MOST OF ALL YOUR FRIENDSHIP. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE AND KINDNESS. YOU WILL BE MISSED....MONIQUE AND DAVE
David Gottheimer
November 30, 2011 | Albuquerque, NM | Friend
In my early days as a SouthWest Writers member, Madge was a constant presence at the group's bimonthly meetings and an inspiration to me as a beginning writer. She was one of Albuquerque's longstanding children's writers and writing instructors, and her generous spirit will very much be missed. To Madge's family: Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
David J. Corwell
November 30, 2011 | Albuquerque, NM | Fellow Writer
